Tazim Damji

Being in nature makes us feel more grounded, less stressed, and eases anxiety.⁠ ⁠ Enjoy seeing the butterflies, ladybugs, and bees that are attracted to the companion plants you add to your salad garden space. ⁠ ⁠ Stopping for a moment to notice these creatures allows you to be more mindful, present, and feel calmer.⁠ ⁠ As part of my permaculture and regenerative land management training I learnt about the many benefits of companion planting and pollinator gardening. There are really just so many reasons why it makes more sense to consider the lives of the many pollinators when planting and tending a garden. ⁠ ⁠ For most people, bees are the ones that most come to mind. But, there are also butterflies, beetles, flies, ants, and moths. ⁠ ⁠ Why am I talking about pollinators in the dead of winter? Maybe it's because I miss seeing them around and maybe it's because I want get people to start differently about insects and try to think of them less as pests and more as part of the biodiversity in any given area. . . an essential part of the ecosystem. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #VeganBusiness #VegHead #VeganLife #VancouverGardens #OrganicGardening #VeganGardener #Veganbusinessowner #vancouvergardener #vancouvernutritionist #plantbasedgardener #northshorebc #gardencoach #permaculturist

Let's talk pandemic hobbies!⁠ ⁠ I feel like during the beginning of the pandemic a lot of people got excited (or just took advantage of the time that could no longer be spent in other ways) to try new things and enjoy different hobbies. ⁠ ⁠ Musicians streamed things from their homes, people got really into sourdough bread, and suddenly everyone was using Zoom to stay in touch with people in their own cities or further from home. ⁠ ⁠ Because this pandemic has been going on for almost two years now it feels like maybe we have gotten so exhausted and well, January is a very ennui month, isn't it? I tried a few new hobbies from the beginning of the pandemic until now, like baking bread, learning to ride a bike, taking astrophotography, and regularly gardening in my community garden plot.)⁠ ⁠ Recently, I've started some more new pandemic hobbies. One is playing online board games with people around the world. I use a site called Board Game Arena. It's free to use and there are plenty of board games to choose from. I've been wishing for the past two years to be able to play games online in this way. I wish I knew the people I play with, but that's okay! Once, a group of women on the North Shore and I got together in person at a coffee shop to play board games. ⁠ ⁠ Of the two hobbies I've been enjoying during the pandemic, the ones best for my anxiety are hiking with the adventure group that I facilitate on WhatsApp (which started in Summer 2021) and gardening in the community garden plot that I secured in April of this year! ⁠ ⁠ What are your favourite pandemic hobbies...new or old?⁠ ⁠ #pandemichobbies #gardenersofvancouver #vancouvergardencoach #vancouvergardener #vancouvernutritionist #veganbusinessowner #veganwoman #vegangardener #veganbusiness ⁠ #nourishyourself

Love your houseplants! It's houseplant appreciation month! ⁠ ⁠ “When gardening, our brains are pleasantly distracted by nature around us. This shifts our focus away from ourselves and our stresses, thereby restoring our minds and reducing negative feelings.” - ⁠ Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) wellbeing fellow Dr. Lauriane Chalmin-Pui. ⁠ ⁠ I don't know about you, but I definitely added a lot more plants (with pretty pots and stands) to my apartment since the beginning of the pandemic! ⁠ ⁠ Seeing the green leaves around my home instantly makes me feel better and way less anxious! ⁠ ⁠ ------>>>>How many houseplants do you have and which one is your favourite?⁠ ⁠ I love my money trees the most! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #houseplants #plantsofinstagram #indoorplants #indoorjungle #plantstagram #crazyplantlady #plantaddiction #plantgang #plantspree #plantlove #planthoarder #Vancouvergardener

Did you know? Can you believe it takes 3,000 litres of water to make one beef hamburger? It may be surprising to you, but that would be like taking 60 showers. ⁠ ⁠ What are the best ways to save water? ⁠ ⁠ Well, you could take shorter showers. Or never let the tap run when you brush your teeth. ⁠ ⁠ Or you could make a huge impact by changing your diet to include more plant-based foods. Just using soy milk instead of cow's milk saves 752 litres of water!⁠ ⁠ So much water is needed for animal agriculture because water is used. . .⁠ ⁠ to grow animal feed (much of which humans would be able to consume directly)⁠ for the animals to drink⁠ to wash the animals and clean their living spaces⁠ in the slaughter process⁠ ⁠ What ways are you planning on reducing your water consumption this year?⁠ ⁠ If you're interested in reducing the amount of meat and dairy in your diet and would like to either go plant-based or add more plant-based food options to your diet, I encourage you to check out the link in my bio @GrowNourishment for ways that I can support you in your efforts...in a non-judgemental and empathetic way! ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #waterfallsofinstagram #waterfallsfordays #breathtakingviews #vegannutritionist #vancouvergardener #vancouvervegan⁠ #veganfortheplanet #veganfortheanimals #veganmovement #veganforlife #veganforeverything #plantbasedcommunity #vegansofig

Did you know that of those who participated in Veganuary in 2021 people said their reasons for taking part were 46% for the Animals, 22% for their Health, 21% for the Environment? ⁠ ⁠ Whether you're choosing to go plant-based for Veganuary for animal welfare, environmental, or health reasons, I want to help you get the information and answers you're looking for to make things as stress-free and supportive-feeling as possible. ⁠ ⁠ MAYIM BIALIK, ACTOR: “Do you have a sense that you’d like to switch to a healthier, cleaner, kinder diet, but need more information? Ask questions, try things, do research, and make decisions based on facts, but don’t discount your feelings either. Veganuary is a great place to start exploring!” ⁠ ⁠ I've put all the information, support, inspiration and action steps together for you.⁠ ⁠ It's called the Go Plant-Based Support System. Click on the link in my bio to find out more and join me for #Veganuary this month!⁠ ⁠ #rabbitsofinsta #instabunny #rabbitlife #rabbitgram #bunnystagram #smallpets #rabbitlover #winterrabbits #snowrabbits #veganlife #northshorebc #northvancouver ⁠ #vegansofig #veganlove #vegangirl #veganlifestyle some photos by @michaelkossin

January is Veganuary! ⁠ ⁠ Veganuary is a global vegan pledge program, led by the nonprofit Veganuary Foundation, that challenges participants to go vegan for the month of January and beyond.⁣⁣⁠ ⁠ I know this is about the time that people begin making New Year's resolutions and goals for how they want their lives to be different in the future. If adopting a plant-based diet or eating more plant-based foods is something you're planning on doing in 2022. . .⁠ ⁠ I've cut through the noise to give you just the most relevant nutritional information, my tried and tested methods for finding plant-based food while you're out, and regular emails containing recipes, resources, and helpful advice and motivation to keep going! ⁠ ⁠ I've put all the information, support, inspiration and action steps together for you.⁠ ⁠ It's called the Go Plant-Based Support System. During the month of January, you can get access to this support system for a promotional price of $99 (+GST) instead of $150.⁠ ⁠ Personalized coaching from a Certified Holistic Nutritionist who has been on a plant-based diet for over 20 years is only the beginning. ⁠ ⁠ I'd love for you to check it out: www.GrowNourishment.ca/plant-based ⁠ ⁠ The link is also in my bio! Please DM me if you have any questions!⁠ ⁠ Are you planning to join the #Veganuary2022 challenge this year? Or add more plant-based food to your diet? ⁠ ⁠ #Veganuary #vegandiet #healthyveganfood #vegannutrition #plantbasednutrition #veganmealideas #vegansupport #veganwoman ⁠ #veganfortheplanet #veganmovement #veganfortheanimals #veganforlife #veganforeverything #vegancommunity #plantbasedcommunity #vegansofinstagram #veganaf #govegan

It's hard to believe that this photo was taken 2 years ago on a snowshoeing trip on Mount Seymour. ⁠ ⁠ Of all the things I'm proud of accomplishing in 2021, I am most proud of the number of times I got outside. I went hiking once or twice a week for at least 6 months of the year. Many of those hikes were in Whistler or Squamish and many of the rest were with the beginner hiking and adventures WhatsApp group I created and run. ⁠ ⁠ I'm looking forward to getting out more often consistently throughout the year. . .even when it's raining or really hot out. ⁠ ⁠ Other than that, I plan on tending to the projects, programs or courses and the business that I've already started in 2021.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #happynewyears #newyeargoals⁠ #newyearsameme #jan1 #mountseymour #snowshoeingadventure #vancouverphotographer #adventureswithtazim #vancouvergardener #vancouvernutritionist 📸 @michaelkossin

Happy New Year! ⁠ ⁠ It’s Veganuary and I can’t wait to help you on this plant-based journey. ⁠ ⁠ If you're already feeling overwhelmed and feel like you don't know where to start. . .⁠ ⁠ Things became so much easier for me when I realized that I didn't have to do everything perfectly or spend hours every week on meal prep in order to have a healthy plant-based diet. . .⁠ ⁠ I am all about taking baby steps in the right direction instead of jumping into something and getting so overwhelmed that I just quit altogether. You, too? I think we'll get along well. :) ⁠ ⁠ I would love to answer your questions, give you personalized recommendations, and all the nutritional information you need in a non-judgemental, supportive, and empathetic environment! ⁠ ⁠ If you're interested, take a look at the link in my bio @GrowNourishment or here: www.GrowNourishment.ca/plant-based ⁠ ⁠ I'd love to hear from you! Are you thinking of adding more plant-based meals to your diet this month or this year?⁠ ⁠ #Veganuary2022 #Veganuary #CapilanoRiver #NorthShoreBC #NorthVancouverBC #beautifulBC #VancouverVegan #vancouvernutritionist #Vancouvernutrition #plantbasedvancouver #vegannutritionist #capilanosuspensionbridge⁠ ⁠

Happy New Year’s Eve! This is about as glitzy as I get. Although there were some major not-good things that happened this year around the world and close to home I am really proud of the things I accomplished and the challenges I overcame. I won’t list them all here, but I have earned many certificates and a diploma and started a new business this year after needing to leave my job in tourism. There was much to grieve and celebrate and appreciate this year. Thank you all for following along on my journey! You can see more of what I’ve been up to in my plant-based nutrition and organic permaculture-focused salad and herb gardening business: @grownourishment #happynewyear #newyearseve #lookingbackmovingforward #grousemountain #vancouver #northshorebc #winterishere

CONNECTING WITH ANIMALS - ⁠ ⁠ What humans most have to gain by forging deep connections with animals is a way to address the epidemic of loneliness that exists in our current society ⁠ ⁠ - Richard Louv (author of “Our Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals Can Transform Our Lives — and Save Theirs.”)⁠ ⁠ One of the things that happened at the beginning of the pandemic is that many people adopted pets and discovered the joys (and challenges) of taking care of these animals. ⁠ ⁠ Unfortunately, it's become a problem, especially now, that people dump their rabbits and other pets in parks or other outdoor spaces to fend for themselves. These animals are unable to survive in the wild and there are far too many of them in shelters. ⁠ ⁠ What can you do to help? If you're local to the Vancouver area, you can adopt or foster rabbits from shelters like @RabbitatsRescue if you're willing to learn and commit to having a rabbit or two for a long period of time. You can also donate to Rabbitats (donations over $20 get you a tax receipt) with your money or your time. ⁠ ⁠ 📍 Waterfront Park, North Vancouver B.C.⁠ This is Timothy Hay Looking-for-Snacks, though his legal name is Mario. He has been with me for 2 years now. His little sister (who is bigger than he is), Magnolia, was adopted from Rabbitats earlier this year. ⁠ ⁠ #RabbitsofVancouver #RescueAnimals #NorthShoreBC #PetsofVancouver #Rabbitrescue ⁠ #smallpets #rabbitlover #timothyhay #bunnylovers #rabbitgram #bunnylove #rabbitstagram

It’s cozy season over here and we actually got a ton of snow last night! I’m spending the whole day doing relaxing things that are non-business or school related. I’m committed to allowing myself to relax more often on weekends and evenings! This #veganturmericlatte is made with: -1 tsp of @truly.turmeric turmeric paste -1 cup of @silk_canada unsweetened soy milk -1 inch of grated fresh ginger -1 tsp of agave nectar -a few turns of ground black pepper I heated up the soy milk on the stove and added all ingredients on a medium heat. When it was warm I used a strainer to pour the golden milk into this lovely handmade mug I bought from a local pottery studio. This drink is so warming and comforting. It’s also great for you! It contains lots of antioxidants, reduces inflammation and joint pain, and may improve memory and brain function…just to name a few of the benefits. What cozy, warm drink will you be enjoying today? #goldenmilklatte #vegandrink #veganrecipes #veganbusinessowners #veganbusinesswoman #christmasvegan #christmasveganrecipes #brainhealthmatters #turmericbenefits #currentlyreading

Happy Winter Solstice or Yule! ⁠ ⁠ Even as the days get longer with more hours of sunlight between now and winter solstice, it's really time now to slow down and embrace quietness. . . just as nature and animals are doing. ⁠ ⁠ I'm finding the idea of slowing down this winter to be very appealing and at the same time, I feel conflicted. You see, I am just getting things started with my business, which is related to small-space salad and herb gardens and plant-based nutrition. ⁠ ⁠ Veganuary, the annual challenge to go vegan for a month, is happening soon and I have the first service that I'm launching. So, I feel like I need to be spending a lot of time and energy promoting it. ⁠ ⁠ The gardening part of my business will be full-steam ahead come the end of February/March as that's when most of the planting happens for the season. ⁠ ⁠ So, how can I both embrace the natural rhythms of the winter season and my need for rest and quietness and also the need to create and promote and all the stuff that comes with marketing services? ⁠ ⁠ 📍 Abraham Lake, Alberta (And two pics of snow heavily falling at the Banff Hot Springs, Banff, Alberta) Bubbles. . .a phenomenon created when bacteria feed expel methane gas. Photos from February 2020. . . pre-pandemic declaration. ⁠ ⁠ #CanadaBound #ExploreInspired #PocketCanada #wintersolstice #yuletide #TravelPicOfTheDay #CultureTrav #WanderEverywhere #MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld #SayYesToAdventures #VisualWanderlust #PlacesToGo #TravelForLife #livelivecanada

Winter Solstice and Yuletide Greetings!⁠ ⁠ The word solstice means “the sun stands still”. ⁠ Gather and Grow describes this well: "The energy in nature is below ground, dormant and hibernating. We too should turn inward, slow down our expenditures, and explore the subterranean topics of the human⁠ experience in order to welcome new beginnings."⁠ ⁠ In what ways do you plan on experiencing some real rest so that you can more easily start the new year fresh?⁠ ⁠ 📍 Capilano Lake, North Vancouver, British Columbia⁠ ⁠ #winterberries #GrouseMountain #NorthShoreMountains #wintersolstice #winterseason #VancouverNorthShore #NorthVancouverBC ⁠ #westcoastvibes #ourpnw #PNWescapes #pnwroamers #canadaparadise #venturebeyond #allaboutadventure #travelbloggerslife

The Shipyards in North Vancouver are always so lively! ⁠ ⁠ With the sun setting so early, I tend to get into cozy mode and stop working around 3:30 for a few hours before getting back into studying or working on my business. It's so nice to take a break and walk down to the waterfront. ⁠ ⁠ 📍 The Shipyards near Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver⁠ ⁠ #ExploreNorthVancouver #NorthVancouver #Vancouver Canada #beautifulbc #NorthShoreBC #travel #explorebc #pacificnorthwest #northwestcoast #tourismbc #bcisbeautiful #dailyviewbc #discoverbc #bcparks #bccanada #sharethecoast #bcnature #mypnwlife

It's okay not to celebrate like everyone else. . .⁠ ⁠ "What concerns me is the universal expectation that everyone MUST love the holiday season. [F]or many people, this time of year produces more negative emotions than positive ones.⁠ ⁠ This can be true because of previous experiences—you have bad memories of earlier years—or due to anxiety about the future. If everyone around you is celebrating and joyful, you might feel the need to pretend.⁠ ⁠ Well, guess what! You don't have to pretend! Being sad (or anxious, or just less cheerful) is not the same as being a grinch.⁠"⁠ ⁠ -Chris Guillebeau ⁠ ⁠ 📍 View of Vancouver and area from a lookout on Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver⁠ ⁠ #nightlights #citylights #vancouverphotography #VancouverBCphotos ⁠ #longexposure #nightshooters #nightimages #nightscape #nightshooterz #nightscaper #nightphotograpy #nightview⁠ #explorevancouver #curiocityvancouver #dailyhivevancouver #vancityfeature #vancitylife